20 Family-Friendly Meals You Can Make for Under $10: Delicious and Budget-Friendly Recipes

Cooking for a family can sometimes feel like a juggling act, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. Thankfully, you can create delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and the right recipes, feeding your loved ones can be both affordable and enjoyable.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of family-friendly meals that can be made for under $10. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that everyone will appreciate. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or fun weekend meals, there’s something here for you to try.

Leftover Pasta Frittata

Using leftover pasta is a quick and tasty way to create a meal. You can whip up a frittata with just a few ingredients. Keep this in mind next time you have leftover pasta.

Start by combining your pasta with beaten eggs, a splash of cream, and some cheese.

Cook everything in a skillet until it’s set and golden. It’s a simple dish that feels special and uses what you already have. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Easy One-Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Looking for a quick dinner option? You can’t go wrong with easy one-pot chicken teriyaki.

This dish combines chicken, vegetables, and rice all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights.

You can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes! Just toss in your favorite veggies, and you’ll have a colorful, tasty meal that the whole family will love.

Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Add more veggies or tweak the sauce for a flavor that fits your style.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic that never goes out of style. You can whip it up quickly, and it’s gentle on your wallet.

Start with pasta and a simple marinara sauce, which you can make from canned tomatoes and spices.

For the meatballs, combine ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Bake or pan-fry them for a tasty finish.

Serve it all together, and you’ve got a family meal that’s filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to double the recipe for leftovers!

Lentil Stew

Lentil stew is a fantastic choice for a family meal that’s both hearty and economical. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Start with lentils, water, and some vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Season it to your taste, and you’ve got a filling meal.

This dish is also super versatile. You can add different spices or greens based on what you have at home. Plus, it freezes well, making it great for meal prep!

Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan Chicken

You’ll love this Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan Chicken for its simplicity and flavor. It takes just 20 minutes to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by placing chicken and sweet potatoes on a baking pan. Drizzle everything with olive oil and a hoisin mixture.

Bake until the chicken is cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also budget-friendly, keeping your meal under $10. You can find a full recipe here. Enjoy!

Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheeseburger pasta is a fun and quick meal that’s perfect for the whole family. You can whip it up in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Start by browning some ground beef. Then, toss in pasta, cheese, and your favorite cheeseburger toppings like ketchup and mustard.

In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish that captures all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger. It’s a meal that keeps everyone satisfied without breaking the bank.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and tasty dinner idea that your family will love. It’s easy to customize with whatever protein you have on hand, such as ground pork, chicken, or tofu.

Simply sauté some cabbage and carrots with your choice of meat, and add in soy sauce for that classic egg roll flavor. You’ll have this dish ready in under 20 minutes!

Serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own. It’s a satisfying meal that fits nicely into any budget. Enjoy making this family favorite!

Casablanca Chicken Couscous

Casablanca Chicken Couscous is a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners. You can whip it up in no time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

This recipe typically features chicken thighs, which are juicy and tender. You’ll also add chickpeas, carrots, and spices for that extra zing.

Serve it with fluffy couscous that soaks up all the delicious flavors. It’s a satisfying meal that your family will love and it’s easy on the wallet too! For detailed recipes, check out Casablanca Chicken Couscous on Pinterest.

Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is a fantastic weeknight meal that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss. You’ll cook ground beef with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes all in one pan.

It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy evenings. You can even customize it by adding rice or other vegetables. Clean-up is a breeze, making it a winner for family dinners.

Check out this Easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe for a smooth cooking experience!

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a comforting dish that’s easy to make and budget-friendly. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Using some chicken broth, a can of cream of chicken soup, and a few other ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal for under $10.

Fluffy dumplings on top of tender chicken create a hearty feast that your family will love! Check out this recipe for an easy homemade version.

Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs are a fantastic option for a budget-friendly meal. They’re easy to prepare and use simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Start with ground turkey, and mix in diced onion, garlic powder, and your favorite seasonings. Shape them into balls and bake or sauté until cooked through.

Serve them with pasta, zucchini noodles, or even in a sub sandwich. This meal is not only tasty but also a hit with the whole family! For more easy recipes, check out Budget Bytes.

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade mac and cheese is a classic that’s easy to whip up. You only need pasta, cheese, and milk.

Cook the pasta, then mix it with a creamy cheese sauce. Cheddar is a great choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses.

You can add some extras like veggies or cooked meats for a little twist.

This dish can be made ahead of time, so you can reheat it for busy weeknights. It’s always a hit with kids and adults alike!

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes are a simple and delicious meal that won’t break the bank. Start with a few large potatoes, bake them, scoop out the insides, and mix with your favorite toppings.

You can add ingredients like cheese, bacon, and green onions. Then, fill the potato skins and bake them again for a crispy finish.

This dish is versatile—you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s an easy way to use leftovers and make a filling meal for everyone. Enjoy your tasty treats!

Green Bean Casserole

You can whip up a classic green bean casserole on a budget. Just grab some canned green beans, condensed mushroom soup, and crispy French-fried onions.

Mix everything in a baking dish and pop it in the oven at 350°F until bubbly.

For a twist, consider adding cheese or fresh garlic for extra flavor. This dish is not only easy to make but also a family favorite at any dinner table.

Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Classic homemade meatloaf is a staple meal that’s both easy to prepare and budget-friendly. You’ll love how simple it is to mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.

Top it off with a tangy tomato glaze for that extra flavor kick.

This dish cooks up tender and juicy every time, making it a family favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes and veggies for a complete dinner.

You can typically make this hearty meal for under $10, so it’s perfect for families looking to save. Enjoy the comforting taste of this classic recipe!

Homemade Pizza

Making homemade pizza is a fun and budget-friendly option for your family. You can whip it up for under $10, and everyone can customize their toppings.

Start with store-bought dough or make your own. You’ll need some sauce, cheese, and any toppings you like.

In about 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready. Homemade pizza is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy getting creative with flavors!

One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara

You’re going to love this easy One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara. It’s perfect for family dinners and budget-friendly, costing under $10.

Start by cooking bacon in a Dutch oven. Once it’s crispy, set it aside and cook your pasta right in the same pot.

With just seven ingredients, this dish comes together in about 25 minutes. The creamy sauce coats the spaghetti beautifully, making it a hit with everyone at the table.

Check out the full recipe here. Enjoy this delicious meal without the fuss!

15-Minute Chicken & Rice Dinner

Looking for a quick meal? Try the 15-Minute Chicken & Rice Dinner. It’s a one-skillet dish that combines chicken, rice, and veggies, all ready in just 15 minutes.

You’ll use simple ingredients, making it budget-friendly and easy to prep. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.

Check out this quick recipe from Campbell Soup or try this tasty version featuring Minute® Instant Rice from Minute Rice. Enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle!

Easy Goulash

Easy goulash is a classic comfort food that won’t break the bank. You can whip it up for under $10 and feed the whole family.

Start with elbow macaroni, a can of diced tomatoes, and some tomato sauce. Brown a pound of hamburger meat for extra heartiness.

Just mix it all in one pot, and you’re set! It’s a simple meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day, making it a practical choice too.